We're happy to welcome a newly-minted entrepreneur and the island's newest mineral makeup company to La Quaintrelle! Blissful Beauty Mineral Makeup is a cruelty free, hypo-allergenic, natural makeup line (with vegan options) that is suitable for even the most sensitive of skin. The entire line is proudly made, tested, and packaged here in Cape Breton.
Born and raised in Westmount, Cape Breton, owner and creator Amanda Wood is a trained and certified Makeup Artist who, after working for one of the top mineral makeup companies in the country, felt there lacked an extensive choice of makeup here in the area and decided to make her own.
Drawing on her past experience within the beauty industry, Amanda began creating her own makeup recipes at home, and in May 2015, launched her first full line of cosmetics. Today, she’s joining us to share some already gleaned wisdom and insight into her business philosophy!
Why did you start Blissful Beauty Minerals? Did you always have an interest in starting your own line?
I figured why work for someone else when I could make my own product? I really wanted to create a line that was as natural as possible without all of the harmful additives that many drugstore lines contain. I also knew that it'd have to be the same quality you'd expect of a high end makeup.
I believe my premiere line is one that contains both popular and unique colour choices, and is at an affordable price point so that it's accessible to anyone. I'm so thrilled to be my own boss and offer this exciting line locally.
Where/from who do you get your inspiration?
I draw a lot of my inspiration from current fashion trends and brands I love. I check out images, music videos, new products and keep up-to-date with changing trends throughout the seasons.
What is your creative process?
Some days it's easier than others to find my creative side, and I need it the most when I'm formulating an eye shadow color. I'll put on some music videos with trendy makeup that get me pumped up, and I also browse images on the Internet to look for anything new and exciting.
What materials do you use?
I have a variety of suppliers I purchase from, but I get as much locally as I can. I purchase natural oils such as jojoba and coconut from a supplier in Canada, and the raw mineral ingredients and packaging is from the United States, nothing overseas.
I've researched and tested a wide variety of ingredients and used only the highest quality with the safest ratings from the Environmental Working Group. Unlike larger brands, I formulate my products without silicones, talc, and chemical preservatives such as parabens. I don't even use Lake Dyes, which are coal tar derived, but are in almost every cosmetic. Most of my ingredients are actually found in food, including my preservatives, for the safest makeup formulas possible.
What does creating your products mean to you?
I put a lot of time and effort into my work to create the best product I can. I wanted something that everyone could wear despite any skin sensitivities or conditions they may have. It's important to me that I offer high quality ingredients at an affordable price so that a wide variety of customers can enjoy my products.
At the end of the day, I want a job I love with a product that's well received in my community. That's the perfect definition of dream job to me!
What's been your greatest challenge and success so far?
There were many challenges and obstacles in the beginning. I had to research different ingredients and their uses and then actually do some trial and error before I got the recipes right. It was rewarding when Coastal Business saw potential in my business plan and took me into their Self Employment program.
It was also really rewarding getting my product into the market so quickly and having people come up to me and tell me they love the products and what it does for their skin. It's just a really great feeling to hear all those positive comments after I worked so hard to create the line.
What are your big dreams for Blissful Beauty?
My main goal for the future is for Blissful Beauty to be the Maritime's go-to brand for makeup and skincare. I'd love to have a company that's local and employs not only myself but people in the community, creating products for local customers.
Thanks, Amanda! Shop the entire Blissful Beauty Mineral Makeup collection in-store and online at LQ.
